My gym is at home and lately my 12 y/o daughter has been showing interest in weight training. Do you think that's too young?

glwanabe

11-30-2010 08:52 AM

Not at all. Work on proper form and keep the weight reasonable with basic moves. Don't go for max attempts or anything, but do push gently on progression.

I've done the same with my youngest when she was that age. She enjoys showing off h er guns.

Go for it!

BendtheBar

11-30-2010 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NTO
(Post 97194)

My gym is at home and lately my 12 y/o daughter has been showing interest in weight training. Do you think that's too young?

My daughters (Age 11 and 6) come down to my gym from time to time and want to workout. I let them try things like sit ups, pull ups, very light curls and dumbbell rows, etc.

I allow them to "play" so to speak. I teach them good form, give them a handful of exercises, and just give them the green light to use those exercises in any way they'd like. I don't try to structure workouts or limit set number. Obviously the weight is too light to matter much.

I don't think it's too early for them to explore, but until they hit puberty, I won't let them push themselves. It's not that I feel it may or may not be dangerous, but more so that at a young age I think the fundamentals are most important.

Kids like to learn how...how to cook an egg, how to do a curl, how to vacuum like mommy. But until they are serious about training every week, and are able to make educated and realistic goals (that may or may not be based on improving performance for another sport), I don't want them to push.

That's my slant on the issue.

NTO

11-30-2010 09:00 AM

Cool. My thoughts precisely. This gives me the opportunity to bond with my daughter while instilling healthy lifestyle habits. Giving her the chance to "explore" is where I was aiming. My only concern was any type of developmental harm it may have.

BendtheBar

11-30-2010 09:03 AM

The stunting growth thing is more of an old school myth.

I give you a big thumbs up for being such an involved and caring father. The world needs as many as it can get.

NTO

11-30-2010 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BendtheBar
(Post 97201)

I give you a big thumbs up for being such an involved and caring father. The world needs as many as it can get.